Job Responsibilities

This position is accountable for the testing of metals and miscellaneous materials used in the state's highway construction and maintenance programs. This position also serves as the lead technician responsible for supervising the laboratory and machine shop in the absence of the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor.

Testing and machine equipment value: $1 million
Number of tests performed annually: 500
Number of types of materials tested: 100
This position reports to the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor. There are no subordinates reporting to this position.

The incumbent works in an environment where s/he performs tests on approximately 100 types of materials through the use of various testing methods of the department, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (MSHTO), National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and other testing methods.

Typical challenges include setting up testing equipment and applying correct test procedures to the sample when work received has only an identification number. S/He not only performs the tests and operates the equipment but must be capable of interpreting test procedures, specifications, and results. The incumbent must also use technical skills to calculate results from test data and read and operate various scientific instruments. The greatest challenge is that the incumbent will be called upon to aid in the development of test procedures and methods when there are no established practices. S/He must be able to design testing fixtures to ensure new products are tested properly.

The incumbent is responsible for scheduling, tracking, and organizing laboratory testing of metals and miscellaneous materials. S/He is responsible for assisting the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor with maintenance of Quality System Management Records in accordance with MSHTO R 18 system standards to ensure accreditation. In cases of mechanical breakdown, the incumbent is accountable for the repair of several types of testing equipment. Additionally, the incumbent assists in directing the machine shop to ensure samples are prepared in the correct manner. Major equipment repairs and replacements are referred to the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor. However, the incumbent is responsible for maintenance programs for all the equipment in his/her care. In the absence of the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor, s/he supervises the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Sub-unit and its consultants.

Job Responsibilities Continued

This position is constrained by applicable department, state, and federal policies, practices, and guidelines. Matters of a unique nature are referred to the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory Supervisor for resolution.

Internal contacts include concrete, cement, chemistry, and aggregate laboratories' staff and district personnel regarding sampling and testing of materials. The incumbent occasionally works with manufacturing companies on methods of testing and with AASHTO personnel when the Bureau of Materials' laboratory is inspected for compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) specifications and methods of testing. This position requires occasional statewide travel which may include overnight stays.

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the incumbent's ability to maintain the Metals and Miscellaneous Products Laboratory equipment in sound working order and to provide efficient test results in a timely manner.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Performs testing in a competent manner to assure that materials and products meet design specifications.
2. Schedules, tracks, and organizes laboratory testing of metals and miscellaneous materials.
3. Confers with and maintains a good rapport with other laboratory staff including the concrete, cement, chemistry, and aggregate laboratories and with district personnel regarding materials samples.
4. Assists with the maintenance of the laboratory's Quality Management System Records in accordance with AASHTO R 18 system standards to ensure accreditation.
5. Provides efficient maintenance of equipment and handles testing instruments properly to ensure that repairs and replacements do not exceed budget costs.
6. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Education/Experience:
  • Completion of two years of college in civil engineering technology, pre-engineering, or a job related technical/science curriculum plus five years of engineering experience, OR
  • Seven years of engineering experience
• Valid driver's license
• Occasional statewide travel which may include overnight stays
• Successful completion of a background screening.

Position Desirables

• Knowledge of metals and products testing procedures
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment used in metals and products testing laboratories
• Ability to plan and direct work of laboratory personnel
• Knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, NEMA, ASME, SAE, and AWWA standards
• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships
• Strong oral and written communication skills